The Effects of Unsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation to Ration on Superovulation Performance and Embryo Quality of Donor Cows

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of omega-3 (α-linolenic acid) fatty acid supplementation to donor cow rations on superovulation performance, embryo number and quality, and blood-progesterone levels. The study was carried out with two groups, each consisting of 10 black-and-white breed dairy cows. Control group was fed with the basic ration prepared, and the experimental group was fed with the ration added with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) source at a level of 3.82% of the basic ration dry matter (DM) for 60 days training period. Thus, each of experimental group’s cow consumed 900 g-day feed additives consisting 149.4 g omega-3 daily. The superovulation protocol was started at the 40th day of feeding period. According to the findings of the study, the difference between the groups in terms of the response to superovulation was found to be insignificant (P>0.05). Similarly, there was no significant difference in blood progesterone levels between the groups (P>0.05). However, the difference between the control group and the experimental group in terms of transferable and non-transferable embryo rates was found to be significantly important (P